When I first seen the flyer to this show a couple months ago I was very excited and also intrigued to see what type of work 2 of our cultures pioneers would exhibit together. The exhibition opened last Thursday in Paris at Helene Bailly Gallery. With “Abstraction 21” the curator Valeriane Taxie Gallery set the bar high choosing 2 icons Daim and Lokiss to exhibit together. One a technician, one a pure force but both equally important. The term “replaying the future” was printed on the flyer and an interesting phrase for the work of Daim and Lokiss. After reflecting upon it some more “Replaying the future” is an excellent saying as both of the artists are known for always being ahead of their time. When i think about innovators not just legends within our genre you have to think about Daim and Lokiss. Daim for not only his signature 3 style but his use of light in his letter forms was one of the major evolutions in style in the early nineties. Lokiss who early on adapted a abstract and deconstructive style lead the way for abstraction in graffiti. And not just aesthetic abstraction but expressionistic work that looked at the medium as more than just representational letter forms. So replaying the future is a way of saying bringing back what already was the future of our culture and seeing it with fresh eyes. Now lets fast forward to “Abstraction 21” and we get to witness 2 artists take their work indoors as so many of have done recently. The exhibition looks impressive with strong relief paintings from Lokiss, his metal works exhume aggressive mark making and violent movement. The surface of the work lays clues to a deeper dialogue beyond the flat surface of the metal panels. Daim’s work is familiar with his signature style, almost like a time capsule that brings back fond memories of those moments when you knew things would never be the same again after seeing his pieces. Progressive doesn’t need to imply leaving who you are or where you came from, both artists I feel have displayed this perfectly in this exhibition. Being able to be themselves first and not trying to keep up with trends shows maturity and a honest body of work. Not only is “Abstractions 21” an impressive body of work but an important historical exhibition as well. We encourage anyone in Paris to take the time and witness this first hand.
GF
Pictures courtesy of Helene Bailly Gallery
GF
Abstraction 21 | DAIM & LOKISS – Paris exhibition. Thursday, September 19th to Saturday, October 12th 2013. Facebook Event: http://fb.com/events/630568383642562
Hélène Bailly Gallery | 38, rue de Seine, Paris. Curated by Valeriane Taxie Gallery
DAIM and LOKISS are both masters of their stiles and pioneers of their movement. Aim of the exhibition Abstraction 21 is to find a new expression of abstraction. Lines, shapes and layout determine the daily work of both artists. This is the first time that both artists are shown side by side and together, to give their works a different focus. Thereby the beholder is not only offered a new concept of a movement, the essence of this movement is extracted.
The works of LOKISS are significantly influenced by Frantisek Kupka, Robert Delaunay or Ipoustéguy: He tends to dynamic and stylised forms of colour, that would lead to an absolute abstraction, if we wouldn’t also spot human forms, surfaces and elements of reality in them. Fused or subsumed in huge buildings, his works permit the eyes to wander and to explore the background more than the form itself.
Mirko Reisser (DAIM) illustrates in his works the four letters of his writer name over and over. Because of this limitation and the repetition of those four letters, it is possible for him to push his writing close to the impossible. The construction and deconstruction of the letters plays an important role in this process. DAIM’s works put the observer under a spell – also with their seemingly unlimited complexity. But with this complexity the works are also given a maximum of clarity, order and structure.
The works of both artists seem very different at first glance. With more observation they surprisingly share a lot of similarities: „Without betraying the references, rites and techniques of their movement both artists cross the limits of the conventions and thus invent an important reformation of the visual code. The works don’t oppose, but they give way to a new direction, they show sustainability but also mark their heritage. The common presentation, focusing the abstract, thus is a new and more exciting experience“. Valériane Mondot, Taxie Gallery
Thursday, September 19th to Saturday, October 12th 2013 Opening: Thursday, September 19th
Galerie Hélène Bailly 38, rue de Seine. 75006 Paris / France
